Nepal has launched a vigorous crackdown on online abuse directed at survivors of last month’s devastating floods, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah declaring that authorities will show no mercy to those who belittle or harass individuals suffering in the aftermath.
Many affected families have turned to social media to share appeals for information on missing loved ones and to call for accelerated search and rescue efforts, but these pleas have often been met with hostile and derogatory comments.
In a public statement on Facebook, Prime Minister Shah emphasized that anyone making unnecessary remarks, diminishing the pain of victims, or exacerbating their suffering during this critical period will be treated as criminals.
Nepali police are actively investigating the origins of these abusive comments, working to trace IP addresses and phone numbers to hold perpetrators accountable.
The issue came to light when a woman, whose brother went missing during the floods two weeks prior, publicly criticized the pace of search operations. She questioned whether earlier mobilization of experts and equipment could have provided quicker updates on family members’ conditions, while expressing enduring hope for her brother’s survival.
Subsequently, she reported receiving numerous nasty comments in response to her criticism, stating that the online abuse had compounded their existing grief.
In a similar incident, a young woman expressed frustration over the perceived lack of urgency in searching for her husband, asking in a viral video clip, “If the government cannot find him, can it at least show me his body?” This footage attracted further insults, including suggestions to jump into the river to aid searches and accusations of unfairly blaming the government.
However, some online users have condemned the insensitive remarks, with one comment noting that victims deserve consolation, not curses, during this difficult time.
In response, Nepali police have established a 10-member committee to examine these online comments and take appropriate action.
Under Nepal’s Electronic Transactions Act, individuals found guilty of using social media for defamation or harassment could face imprisonment for up to five years, fines reaching 100,000 rupees (approximately $662 or £490), or both.
Dovan Rai, executive director of Body & Data, a Nepali non-profit advocating for safe digital spaces, suggested that some abusive comments may stem from social media users engaging in “rage baiting”—creating provocative content to incite outrage—or from staunch government supporters who condemn critics.
She noted that such extremism has further polarized online discussions, intensifying the hostility toward those questioning the government’s response.
